Stryker Spine Plate Lawyer

The Stryker OASYS Midline Occipital Plate is a spinal plate that was used in cervical spinal fusion surgery. This device was introduced in April 2010 for patients who required stabilization at the junction between the occipital bone and the vertebrae in the cervical spine.

Unfortunately, reports of adverse effects were reported early after the device hit the market. In April 2013, Stryker issued an Urgent Medical Device Recall for all OASYS Midline Occipital Plates distributed between April 23, 2010 and February 12, 2013. Since then, lawsuits have been filed against Stryker for complications such as blood loss, nerve injuries, and the need for revision surgeries.

It is important to note that the Class I recall is the most serious type of device recall in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious adverse health consequences or even death. Seek the services of a Stryker Spine Plate lawyer today if you have been harmed by this device.

Reported Complications Of Stryker Spine Plates

There have been allegations against Stryker that their OASYS Midline Occipital Plate has caused serious complications in many patients who received them. Some of these complications include:

• Excessive blood loss
• Numbness
• Weakness
• Nerve Injuries

Blood Loss

The issue with the OASYS spine plate system is in a small pin that is located on the device. It has been reported that this pin can fracture and break from the device, migrating to other areas inside the body. The metal pin can cause a number of issues, with one of the most serious being internal bleeding that results in blood loss.

Stryker and the FDA have communicated that blood loss is being reported as a major side effect of this spinal implant, and that patients who have received a device should schedule a follow-up appointment with their physician.

Internal bleeding is a serious concern, as it is not always known to the patient right away. In fact, in some cases a patient may not be aware of the blood loss until several hours after it has begun. In some cases, bleeding is not detected until a clot forms, or internal organs malfunction because of the amount of blood. When bleeding occurs in the spinal canal, spinal cord function can be affected.

Patients experiencing bleeding from a fractured Stryker spine plate may experience pain and numbness, among other symptoms. If you have had a Stryker spine plate installed and are experiencing blood loss, it is important you consult with your physician immediately, as well as your attorney to discuss your legal rights.

Nerve Injuries

One serious complication that has been associated with the Stryker spine plate is nerve injury. Reports have indicated that the Stryker OASYS Midline Occipital Plate was fitted with a defective pin that was susceptible to breaking off from the device. When this pin breaks, the fractured piece or pieces migrate, causing damage to nearby nerves. Symptoms of this nerve damage include numbness and pain. Nerve damage can vary in seriousness, and many times the damage is irreversible.

Revision Surgery & Follow-Up Care

When Stryker issued the Urgent Medical Device Recall of the OASYS device line, they also subsequently recommended any patients who experience pain, weakness, or numbness seek immediate medical evaluation. In some cases, patients who received the spine plates will require revision surgery to remove or replace the defective device. Additionally, for patients who undergo revision surgery, Stryker recommends routine post-operative care and follow-up.

Revision surgery is expensive and requires extended hospitalization and medical treatment; the cost of which can become extremely expensive. Lawsuits for Stryker Spine Plates will help to pay for the cost of these medical bills, as well as lost wages and any additional care required that a lawyer can help to calculate.

What Types Of Spine Plates Are Recalled?

Stryker has recalled five OASYS spine plate models. The recalled part numbers and models can be found below.

After several reports of complications associated with the OASYS Midline Occipital Plate, Stryker has determined that the cause of the device malfunction was due to post-operative fracture of the pin that connects the tulip head to the plate body.

After evaluating claims from patients who received this device, Stryker issued the recall citing potential complications such as blood loss, nerve injury, and the possible need for revision surgery in some patients.

On June 20, 2013, one month after the recall, Stryker notified spinal implant surgeons recommending routine clinical and radiographic post-operative evaluation for patients with the implant. Learn more about how Stryker’s recall of their Spine Plates could impact your case by speaking to an attorney.

What Are Claims Against Stryker Spine Plates?

Lawsuits have been filed against Stryker for manufacturing a product with poor design, as well as failing to notify doctors and patients of the potential adverse side effects.

These lawsuits will seek compensation for lost wages, physical damages, and more. Settlements in Stryker spinal plate lawsuits will also help cover the cost of medical expenses, including the cost of a revision surgery to remove or correct a faulty Stryker spinal plate, and the routine post-operative follow-up and care.

Settlements in Stryker spinal plate lawsuits are expected to be substantial due to the seriousness of the injuries sustained. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one have been injured by a Stryker spinal plate device, as there are very specific time deadlines that must be met when filing dangerous medical device lawsuits. If you miss your deadline, you will be unable to pursue a claim.

Seek Legal Counsel from a Stryker Spine Plate Attorney

Our Stryker spine plate lawyers can help if you or someone you care about has been injured by a Stryker OASYS Midline Occipital Plate.

The criteria for filing a Stryker spine plate lawsuit include the following:

• Patient was implanted with the Stryker Spine-OASYS Midline Occiput Plate
• The implanted device was manufactured between April 23, 2010 and February 12, 2013
• Patient’s device fractured, or
• Patient has had or has scheduled revision surgery to replace the device